Hazardous Waste and Wastewater Fee Reductions

Date: 2012

MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT

Unshackle Upstate, a non-partisan, pro-taxpayer, pro-economic growth, education and advocacy coalition made up of business and trade organizations from all parts of Upstate New York, supports this Article VII language.

In certain cases, this bill would allow for a reduction of fees that businesses currently pay for their generation of hazardous waste. Specifically, this legislation would reduce fees by incentivizing on-site recycling programs. In instances where a business either recycles more than 90% of the total tons of hazardous waste or wastewater or recycles more than 4,000 tons of hazardous waste or wastewater during a year, the fee imposed by the Department of Environmental Conservation will be based only the amount of waste that is not recycled.

Reducing taxes, fees and assessments is one of the core principles of Unshackle Upstate. This budget language takes intoconsideration recycling efforts that many businesses currently employ in order to be good partners within their respective communities.

We must do all that we can to incentivize the growth of businesses and private sector jobs across New York – especially in Upstate. As a state, our ability to improve our business climate depends on continuing to reduce the regulatory burdens and obstacles that have typically plagued the Empire State. Collectively, we can work together to provide common sense solutions similar to the necessary correction included within this bill.

Our organization is supportive of this proposal, and we encourage the Governor and Legislature to explore additional opportunities to incentivize businesses to advance important environmental goals.

For these reasons, Unshackle Upstate supports the enactment of this Article VII language.